BEST and fairest runner-up Tom Scully has again shown off his running prowess by dominating Greater Western Sydney's 3km time trial on Monday.
Making Scully's run all the more impressive, he was a long way ahead of new teammates Tendai Mzungu and Matt de Boer, who were among the best runners at Fremantle.
With the GWS playing group all back on the track for the first time, Scully blitzed the field with versatile key-position player Adam Tomlinson finishing second.
Mzungu and de Boer were third and fourth respectively, while reigning Kevin Sheedy medallist Toby Greene finished fifth.
Described by GWS fitness staff as one of the best pure athletes they've seen, Scully used his running ability to gather 590 disposals at an average of 24.6 in 24 games last season, and added 23 goals from the wing.
The 25-year-old told the Giants' website that he was impressed with his run, but moreso by the work of his new teammates.
"We know it comes up first day of pre-season every year and it's nice to get it out of the way," he said.
"I think all the guys ran really good times and obviously I'm happy with my own time, but it was good to see guys like Tendai Mzungu and Matty de Boer impress on day one.
"They've come in with really hungry appetites and it's certainly driven some of the other boys to run really good times as well.
"There's no doubt it's a challenge for everyone running the race but I guess individually you just want to run to the best of your ability, and obviously we've all got target times to hit.
"It's hard but my appetite is as strong as ever and I love challenging myself and getting better every time."
Scully admitted to finding the late start strange after GWS bowed out in this year's preliminary final loss to the Western Bulldogs, in what was the Giants' first finals campaign.
"It's obviously a bit unique, it's the first time we've been in this position - starting a bit later - but from all signs everyone's come back in really good condition," he said.
"Everyone's really hungry after last year.
"We know we've got to improve in a lot of areas and I think we've put in a good start to the pre-season but it's a long one and it's an even longer year.
"We've just got to time our run really well and continue to work hard and try to improve."
Star midfielder Dylan Shiel missed the run as he deals with a heel problem, while experienced forward Steve Johnson was also an onlooker after having thumb surgery.
GWS time trial top 10
1. Tom Scully
2. Adam Tomlinson
3. Tendai Mzungu
4. Matt de Boer
5. Toby Greene
6. Stephen Coniglio
7. Josh Kelly
8. Adam Kennedy
9. Matt Buntine
10. Devon Smith
